Parish News

Palm Leaves & Olive Branches

Anyone who is able to provide large palms to assist in decorating our Church can drop them to the Church after the morning Mass on either Friday or Saturday.

We also ask those who can bring their own palm or olive branch with them to Mass to please do so.

Understanding Scripture (Liturgia)

Resurrection and Life

The central affirmation of this gospel narrative comes when Jesus tells Martha, 'I am the resurrection and the life' (11:25). This is the climax of a number of identity-statements Jesus makes about himself: 'I am the bread of life' (6:35); '. . . the light of the world' (9:5); '. . . the good shepherd' (10:11); '. . . the way, the truth, and the life' (14:6); '. . . the vine' (15:5). Jesus also asserts simply 'I AM' (8:58; 13:19), thus echoing God's self-revelation to Moses in the burning bush, 'I AM WHO AM' (Exodus 3:14); this reinforces Jesus' claim that 'The Father and I are one' (John 10:30). The statement 'I am the resurrection and the life' is especially significant in John's gospel. John is selective in reporting the miracles ('signs') of Jesus: he recounts only seven. In this carefully chosen series, the raising of Lazarus is the final and, therefore, climactic sign. Earlier in this gospel Jesus taught that he has power to give life: 'just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes' (5:21; see also 3:15-16; 5:24; 6:40; 10:10). In raising Lazarus Jesus demonstrates that he indeed raises the dead and gives life. The resurrection and the life' has a present and future focus. Jesus is the source of life now for believers; he means this in not only a spiritual sense, for Lazarus indeed finds actual life in Jesus. But as wondrous as is the raising of Lazarus, it is merely resuscitation for he will die again. For this reason Jesus makes the even more astounding claim: he is the resurrection. By this he signifies that he will raise all who believe from death to eternal life - a life that does not end. Yet life now and life to come are not easily distinguished: each is an aspect of the other, as is evident when Jesus tells disciples, 'Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day' (6:54). Jesus is both life and eternal life.

Volunteers

Easter is the largest liturgical celebration throughout the year and many volunteers are needed across all ministries. If you are on the regular roster and attending any of the Easter Liturgies, could you please consider volunteering. We are in need of Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, Lectors, Altar Servers, Acolytes & Wardens. Please contact Helen Williamson on 0408 970 120.

Lenten Devotion: Stations of the Cross

Every Friday of Lent at 7pm.

Easter Cards $10 (box of 10) available from the piety stall

Easter Ceremonies Practice

A practice for all the readers/lectors participating in Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday Vigil Mass and Easter Sunday Masses is being held on Saturday 28th March at 1.30pm. Your attendance is requested even if you have participated in previous years. Helen Williamson 0408 970 120